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City Council Minutes 02-25-1991MINUTES REGULAR MEETING - MONTICELLO CITY COUNCIL Monday, February 25, 1991 - 7:00 p.m. Members Present: Ken Maus, Shirley Anderson, Dan Blonigen, Clint Herbst, Brad Fyle Members Absent: None 2. Approval of minutes. Motion was made by Brad Fyle, seconded by Clint Herbst, to approve the minutes of the regular meeting held February 11, 1991, as written. Motion carried unanimously. 3. Citizens comments/petitions, requests, and complaints. None forthcoming. 4. Consideration of adopting an ordinance establishing a police advisory commission. City Council reviewed the ordinance prepared by Administrator Wolfsteller. Dan Blonigen noted that the ordinance should be amended to include only city residents on the commission. Ken Maus noted that the City of Rockford has a police commission and at least one member of the Rockford commission must be a juvenile. Maus noted that we may also wish to consider allowing a juvenile to serve on the Monticello Police Commission. After discussion, it was concluded that the police commission should have a hand in establishing the final wording of the ordinance. Brad Fyle indicated that he would like to serve on the police commission. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson, seconded by Dan Blonigen, to approve establishment of a police commission but table final approval of the wording of the ordinance pending input from the police commission membership. Motion carried unanimously. Page 1 Council Minutes - 2/25/91 5a. Consideration of accepting the annual report on the 1990 economic development activities. 011ie Koropchak reported that in conformance with Star City recertification requirements, the Industrial Development Committee presents to Council an annual report on the 1990 economic development activities, which includes specific accomplishments made during the year. After discussion, motion was made by Shirley Anderson, seconded by Clint Herbst, to accept the report as presented. Motion carried unanimously. 5b. Consideration of adopting a resolution to approve the 1991 Economic Development Work Plan and the Industrial Development Committee proposed budget. 011ie Koropchak reported that in conformance with Star City recertification requirements, the Industrial Development Committee presents to the City Council the 1991 Economic Development Work Plan and the IDC proposed budget for review and approval. Shirley Anderson asked how the position of Economic Development Director is funded. Administrator Wolfsteller reported that the Industrial Development Committee provides 40% of the revenue for the position, and the City finances the remainder. Council discussed the task of hosting a meeting to discuss local property taxes with County Assessor, Doug Gruber; County Commissioner, Pat Sawatzke; and City Council. Ken Maus noted that a loo increase in commercial valuation has been mandated, which will have a significant impact on the taxes that commercial and industrial properties pay. Maus noted that the City should make sure that the rationale behind the required increase in valuation is proper and justifiable and consistent with commercial values found in other portions of the county. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson, seconded by Brad Fyle, to adopt a resolution approving the work plan and IDC budget as proposed. SEE RESOLUTION 91-7. Page 2 Council Minutes - 2/25/91 6. Consideration of purchasing automatic level for inspection department. Dan Blonigen asked how the automatic level can improve staff efficiency. Tom Bose responded that the time to set up an automatic level is less. Establishing service line elevations and setting pipe grades can be done with increased accuracy and speed with an automatic level. Brad Fyle noted that the time to level does not take that long, and he recommended the use of a laser level. John Simola noted that the laser level is a short -distance instrument. We need an instrument that will work well over longer distances. Staff and Council discussed the pro's and con's of a laser instrument versus an automatic level. Bose remarked that the automatic level requires two people to efficiently operate. He went on to say that the person needed is usually an employee of the contractor; therefore, two City staff people are not usually needed to properly operate this piece of equipment. It was the consensus of Council that the use of this automatic level for the inspection department will increase efficiency; therefore, a motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Clint Herbst, to approve the purchase of a Topcon automatic level from John Hess Surveying Instruments at a cost of $935. Motion carried unanimously. 7. Consideration of authorizing staff to work with City planner toward development of Industrial Park Master Plan. Assistant Administrator O'Neill reported that the Industrial Development Committee has recommended that the City Council authorize staff and City planner to analyze issues pertaining to future development of industrial areas in the community. O'Neill went on to note that one of the goals of the study would be to develop a basis for zoning ordinance and comprehensive plan amendments designed to assist the City in achieving industrial land development potential. O'Neill went on to review the various concerns that have been raised in the past few months regarding industrial land development along with a proposed method for addressing the concerns. In his report, O'Neill outlined the concept of development of a business park design standard in the area of Page 3 Council Minutes - 2/25/91 the proposed school district/elementary school development. The study would attempt to establish an industrial development standard designed to minimize potential conflict between school and industrial uses. O'Neill also noted that the City may wish to develop new standards consistent with the Remmele and Tapper sites for industrial areas located along the Chelsea Road corridor and east of the existing Oakwood Industrial Park. The new standards developed under a business park concept would provide a place for companies interested in locating in an area where site development standards must remain high. He went on to note that the business park standards will not impact existing industrial land; therefore, industries that cannot achieve the higher development standards will continue to have a place to locate. O'Neill also went on to review the importance of development of a drainage plan for the area between the school district property and the freeway. At this time, development of that land is hampered by an absence of storm water drainage plans. It may be the appropriate time to develop a plan that would allow for the most efficient use of the industrial property. Council reviewed the proposal to conduct a planning study. It was the consensus of the Council to table the authorization to conduct the planning study pending additional input from the City planner. Council was concerned that the cost of the study is somewhat excessive, and it was suggested that the scope of this study be reduced in an of fort to reduce the cost as well. O'Neill noted that he would discuss the matter with the planner and prepare a revised method and program for addressing the planning issues. Council also noted that it makes sense to get the cooperation of Farm Credit on this project. O'Neill noted that he would contact Farm Credit and request their participation in this planning process. Council was concerned that the drainage issues are not properly understood in the area; therefore, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson, seconded by Dan Blonigen, to authorize expenditure of $5,000 toward payment of costs associated with development of a storm water management plan in the area. Motion carried unanimously. O'Neill noted that the cost to conduct the storm water management plan could be incorporated into a public improvement project and said expense could be incorporated into a future assessment role. Page 4 Council Minutes - 2/25/91 8. Consideration of setting a 1991 Board of Review for May 8, 1991. Council confirmed the date scheduled for the Board of Review. The Board of Review date was set for May 8, 1991. 9. Consideration of vacating lot line drainage easements. Rick Wolfsteller reported that in 1979 a building permit was issued for a single family home that was to be constructed primarily on Lot 1, Block 1, Roden Acres, but it also included the easterly 14 feet of Lot 7, Block 1, Doerr Estates. Doerr Construction owned both Lot 7 of Doerr Estates and Lot 1 of Roden Acres and obtained permission from the City of Monticello to allow for the 14 feet of Lot 7 to be subdivided and attached to Lot 1 of Roden Acres. The City approved the simple subdivision, but the drainage and utility easements associated with each lot were not vacated. It appears from the plat for both developments that there remains a 12 -foot drainage easement on both sides of the original lot line which will need to be vacated since the house is constructed over the original property line. In conjunction with the vacating of the easements, the City could require that the property owner provide a new 6 -foot drainage easement to correspond with the newly created lot line. The property owner has indicated a willingness to provide this relocated easement. In addition, the City could contact the adjacent property owner to see if they would be willing to provide a new 6 -foot drainage easement on their property so that the City would continue to have a 12 -foot easement. After discussion, a motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Brad Fyle, to vacate the drainage and utility easements as originally platted on the west side of Lot 1, Roden Acres, and the east side of Lot 7, Doerr Estates, contingent on the property owner providing a new 6 -foot drainage easement adjacent to the westerly property line of the new parcel and direct staff to attempt to obtain a 6 -foot easement from the owner of Lot 7, Block 1, Doerr Estates. Voting in favor of the motion: Clint Herbst, Dan Blonigen, Shirley Anderson, Brad Fyle. Ken Maus abstained, as he is owner of one of the parcels involved. 10. Consideration of approving the biannual rabies clinic and consideration of fee schedule adjustments for impoundment fees. Rick Wolfsteller reported that approximately two years ago the City amended its dog ordinance which re-established the Page 5 Council Minutes - 2/25/91 requirement that all dogs be licensed with the licenses being valid for a two-year period. The revision to the ordinance took place in the spring of 1989, and as such, many licenses are up for renewal March 31, 1991. The ordinance indicates that prior to a dog license being issued, the owner must provide proof that their animal has been vaccinated for rabies. In 1989, the City sponsored a rabies clinic to encourage Monticello residents to have their animals vaccinated and also to promote our new dog licensing requirement. The clinic was held at the public works maintenance facility on a Saturday morning with the services provided by a veterinarian. The City had an excellent response and vaccinated approximately 80 dogs. The rabies clinic provided a low-cost alternative for citizens to have their animals vaccinated who probably would not have otherwise made an appointment with a veterinarian. Ken Maus asked if there are any local veterinarians that are interested in participating in this program. Rick Wolfsteller noted that he did not believe that the local veterinarian is interested in participating in this program at this time. Wolfsteller recommended that the City again sponsor the rabies clinic as proposed. The clinics have proved to be an economical method for residents to have their animals vaccinated and encourages owners to obtain licenses at the same time. From a public safety standpoint, the more animals we can have vaccinated, the less likely that some residents will be bitten by a rabid animal. After discussion, motion was made by Shirley Anderson, seconded by Dan Blonigen, to authorize the establishment of the City's second biannual rabies clinic scheduled for April 6, 1991. Motion carried unanimously. The animal fee/fine schedule was discussed. After discussion, a motion was made by Shirley Anderson and seconded by Dan Blonigen to establish a $35 fine for allowing a dog to run at large. This amount includes a $10 cost to purchase a license with purchase of license being required before a dog may be released to its owner. 11. Consideration of bills for the month of February. After discussion, motion was made by Clint Herbst, seconded by Brad Fyle, to approve the bills for the month of February as presented. Motion carried unanimously. Page 6 Council Minutes - 2/25/91 12. Other matters. Dan Blonigen requested that City staff provide background information and copies of all meeting minutes and other information relating to establishment of the City Administrator car allowance and establishment of the policy that allows the Public Works Director use of a City vehicle for transportation to and from work. After discussion, a motion was made by Dan Blonigen, seconded by Shirley Anderson, to review the policy for providing for a car allowance to the City Administrator and to review the policy granting the use of a city vehicle to the Public Works Director as transportation to and from work. Motion carried unanimously. A letter from John C. Beattie & Associates drafted by Linda M. Trummer was reviewed by City Council. The letter outlined her concerns regarding the change in quality of clientele that they serve in Monticello in their rental properties. She noted that people have become more transient and financially irresponsible. She wrote that their properties have had financial problems with the rental market in Monticello becoming oversaturated. Vacancy rates are ranging from 12% to 24%. Trummer went on to urge that the City discourage further development of rental properties in the city of Monticello. City Council took the letter under advisement and discussed the potential of establishing a City code regulating the operation and maintenance of rental property. Assistant Administrator O'Neill noted that he would determine to what extent the City can limit the development of apartment units on property that is properly zoned for such use. There being no further discussion, the meeting was adjourned. Jif ' Nei11 Assistant Administrator Page 7